ALBUM PROJECT: Contra 4

[SnappleMan]

UPDATES:

UPDATE! Album is almost done, just gotta get the last few songs done and we're set for release. Lineup changed again, but the tracks sound AMAZING so far. Definitely the best sounding album the entire scene has... seen.
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This is cross posted from VGMix and The Shizz.

Shut up. I know, OMG VIRT music LOL! Whatever, the game has awesome music and it's Contra, simple as that.

So yeah, I REALLY like this soundtrack, it's one of the best I've ever heard and I think it deserves to be ruined by an overambitious project that'll span every corner of the "remixing"/"arranging" scene. This will be open to anyone and everyone. Here are a few rules and guidelines for everyone to keep in mind:

1. All songs are to be approved by me and a few others who I will choose to "judge". If you worked on a song for 2 months and it still sucks, too bad.

2. All songs are to be arranged in a "conservative" manner. Meaning, I don't want you to take a fast, aggressive song and turn it into ambient bullshit. The music has lots of intricate details and layers to work with, you can arrange it without taking it to places it shouldn't go. Also, I have to approve your idea before you can be considered for the project, and everyone is required to send me a 1 minute demo before I can lock them in to work on the song they chose.

3. COLLABORATE! This music is really difficult to learn/play/arrange. I encourage everyone to hook up in teams and really get to know the song they're doing and each members strengths.

4. What 3 said, the most important thing here is making sure the music is KING. So yeah, you will need to have spot on performances (if doing something with live recordings), and good sounds. If you write a great arrangement but your sounds are sub-par, consider letting someone take your work and put it through their setup. I will do this for anyone who wants it, and I don't want any credit, all I want is for the music to sound its best. If you can do a really awesome straight cover and just add a solo, that's great (and most likely all I'll be doing!... trust me, learning some of these songs is a project within itself)!!

This will not be OCR, VGMix or DoD exclusive, I have no idea how we'll release yet. It's a free for all at this point.

Now, I know I'm talking like a dick, but I've had enough experience with these things to know exactly what I want from the music and from my team. This project is gonna have a "band" or "team" mentality. Everyone can give input, help out on other tracks, or whatever, as long as it sounds good. All that matters is the end result. I am recruiting people as we speak, and this is gonna be cross posted to OCR, the Shizz and anyplace else where I can get some quality musicians. This has to be done quickly because the game is as popular as it's gonna get and I wanna strike while the mac-n-cheese is hot!

So I say onto you, the words of the famous George E. Nowik: LET'S ATTACK AGGRESSIVELY!

[Fishy]

Snapple said I'm on this and I don't have a choice...


You can't argue with that.

[SnappleMan]

Snapple said I'm on this and I don't have a choice...


You can't argue with that.

Unless your track ends up sucking, in that case you get the BOOT!

[Jacomus]

Looking forward to whoever's crazy enough to do Harvest Yard.

[KyleJCrb]

This will be awesome.

[djpretzel]

Sounds cool, but... why not an OCR project? Is there something mutually exclusive with making it an OCR project and involving other sites?

Just noting ahead of time, not to be a dick or anything, but we're much more likely to pimp it, etc. when it's an official OCR thing, and you'll lose that, otherwise. If you've got a good answer other than "because they don't like us," I'd like to hear it... one of the developers from Contra 4 actually mentioned OCR in an interview with Nintendo Power, FYI - it'd be cool to see his quote become a reality.

But, your call, and like I said, sounds interesting.

[Dhsu]

Well, there's nothing really "OCR" about it. In fact, now that I think about it, it'd actually be a little ironic for a project remixing virt's music to be hosted here...

[Ryan8bit]

we're much more likely to pimp it, etc. when it's an official OCR thing, and you'll lose that, otherwise.

Isn't this also being kind of mutually exclusive? Why not just promote it regardless of any affiliation?

[SnappleMan]

Sounds cool, but... why not an OCR project? Is there something mutually exclusive with making it an OCR project and involving other sites?

Just noting ahead of time, not to be a dick or anything, but we're much more likely to pimp it, etc. when it's an official OCR thing, and you'll lose that, otherwise. If you've got a good answer other than "because they don't like us," I'd like to hear it... one of the developers from Contra 4 actually mentioned OCR in an interview with Nintendo Power, FYI - it'd be cool to see his quote become a reality.

But, your call, and like I said, sounds interesting.

For now I don't want to think about that stuff. If I announce it as official OCR then people might start to lose focus on the music. I want everyone from every corner of the scene to be involved.

[atmuh]

Isn't this also being kind of mutually exclusive? Why not just promote it regardless of any affiliation?

good point
the american album wasnt an ocr project and it was promoted here

[SnappleMan]

What I mean is, I'm not saying it wont be released here, I just have no idea what I want to do with it yet. There are many options and I'd like to fully explore every one before committing.

[djpretzel]

Isn't this also being kind of mutually exclusive? Why not just promote it regardless of any affiliation?
Because we have finite time and resources and usually choose to focus them on stuff that is close to the site...
If it's an official album it gets integrated into our database, mixer profiles (eventually), torrent tracker, etc.
We do some limited PR stuff for album releases... it's not only awkward, but basically inappropriate, for us to be doing that on behalf of a third-party...
If there's no good reason it shouldn't be an OCR project, you're arguing that even if people don't want it to be (for "bad" reasons e.g. we smell), we should still treat it the same...right? That just doesn't make much sense to me...I get your point, but it's a cause and effect thing, and the cause is important... also, wasn't saying we wouldn't pimp it at all or ignore it or whatever, just that it wouldn't be to the same degree...

Well, there's nothing really "OCR" about it. In fact, now that I think about it, it'd actually be a little ironic for a project remixing virt's music to be hosted here...

Oh, totally - agreed. The quote from the developer in Nintendo Power was ironic, as well. But... well, so what? It's ironic. There are worse things to be.

[Fishy]

I think I agree with Snapple for now. If the point of the project is too pimp Contra 4's music, then we should do that first, but not ruling out the possibility it could be releasable here.

[djpretzel]

I think I agree with Snapple for now. If the point of the project is too pimp Contra 4's music, then we should do that first, but not ruling out the possibility it could be releasable here.

Yeah, I re-read his latest comment... makes sense. However, I'd worry about cross-posting across three communities, etc. and managing things... the sooner some of these types of decisions are made, the smoother things can work, imo. But first things first; sorry for the tangent!

[The Pezman]

Fuck. Another awesome looking project, and me without skills to contribute.

EDIT: Fuck what I just said. I missed VotL... I might as well try for this. See if I can't put something together.

[Ryan8bit]

[LIST]
If there's no good reason it shouldn't be an OCR project, you're arguing that even if people don't want it to be (for "bad" reasons e.g. we smell), we should still treat it the same...right? That just doesn't make much sense to me...

Mmm, no, that's not what I was getting at. It seemed the project was meant to be all inclusive community-wise, so it seemed strange that it wouldn't be promoted to its fullest by all sites involved.

[Arek the Absolute]

This is going to be so awesome.
Can't wait to hear this.

[djpretzel]

Mmm, no, that's not what I was getting at. It seemed the project was meant to be all inclusive community-wise, so it seemed strange that it wouldn't be promoted to its fullest by all sites involved.

Plenty of artists that also contribute to other sites have been involved with OCR projects and those other sites didn't do much to promote those albums... I'm not sure what the expectation is on your part but it seems a little unequal and also premature, especially given Snapple's most recent comments... My point is simply that releasing an album as an OCR project shouldn't jeopardize the "all-inclusiveness" you mention, plus there's benefits, so why not?

[OverCoat]

2. All songs are to be arranged in a "conservative" manner. Meaning, I don't want you to take a fast, aggressive song and turn it into ambient bullshit.
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4307/nyronce5.jpg

[Neo Samus]

Sound's awesome. Good luck with the project. Speaking of Contra 4, I still need to find that game.

[Ryan8bit]

Plenty of artists that also contribute to other sites have been involved with OCR projects and those other sites didn't do much to promote those albums...

Probably because the focus has always been here. What more could be added elsewhere other than a link to the project?

I'm not sure what the expectation is on your part but it seems a little unequal and also premature

Wait, what? Why do you keep reading too much into what little I've said? I personally don't care who it's affiliated with as long as it's good music. All I was ever curious about was why it wouldn't be promoted and you elaborated.

[SnappleMan]

The most important thing for me is that the music we create gets as much exposure as possible. When the time comes I'll chose where to have the main release.

But also, it's not as if I can just announce something and have it instantly become a big OCR thing, it needs to get a stable stream of progress going before it can be considered an official OCR project. Unless the rules changed...

But for now, the important thing to me is that people seem to be really interested. I've already got a couple demos coming in, and many planned in the days ahead. And we all gotta keep this fire going because as soon as it dies down, interest dies down and these projects never get done. So crunch time starts NOW!

[SwordBreaker]

A very surprising announcement, indeed. Wish I can contribute in some way, but I'm not quite there in terms of the "Snapple-bar" *coughinstigatingwhisperscough* :P

Regardless, can't wait to see the progress with this. Would love it if we get previews of the tracks, demos, WIPs and stuff like that. Don't like it when projects are hush-hush in what's going on.

Also, it would be REALLY interesting if you can get Jake himself on this bandwagon, Snapple. I'm pretty sure no one can top his own work except for himself. :)

[supremespleen]

Oh, good, I was hoping for another remix project.

[DarkeSword]

Contra 4 is a horrible game with horrible music and virt is a horrible composer and you are a horrible person who does not deserve any money or happiness in life.

Good luck.

[danimal cannon]

I'm helping Snapple out with this project, we were both talking about doing remixes from Contra 4 and he just said "fuck lets just do a project".

I had done a remix last month of the Alien Hive and Heart Battle, they'll be part of the project and I imagine they helped kick things off. I'll be doing another track in the future.

http://dod.vgmix.com/past/jan08/03-DanimalCannon+ChrisDlugosz-Contra4-Attack-DoD.mp3

I think one of the reasons that the project shouldn't be an OCR project exclusively is because the tracks are ALREADY immaculately arranged as songs. If someone just did a rearrangement with live instruments with some minor additions that would be fine. You don't need to get all interpretive with these seeing as how you'll have a hard enough time just not leaving out important parts in the first place.

Yeah, you can have your own interpretation, but we're not looking for "songs inspired by contra 4". We're looking for badass covers. In my track I took some liberties, not until after I covered all the bases first. Even then, I didn't feel the need to expound very far on that.

[Monobrow]

Oh, good, I was hoping for another remix project.

yeah just what the doctor ordered

[SnappleMan]

Contra 4 is a horrible game with horrible music and virt is a horrible composer and you are a horrible person who does not deserve any money or happiness in life.

Good luck.

yeah just what the doctor ordered

Except this one wont suck donkey balls! :D

[Brycepops]

Contra 4 is a horrible game with horrible music and virt is a horrible composer and you are a horrible person who does not deserve any money or happiness in life.

Good luck.

Ha HA! I'm not falling for this again >:3. Good luck to everyone who's involved. I'd love to see how this turns out :-)

[prophetik]

snapple's right, this is a great soundtrack. and i love teh vrit. put me down if anyone needs saxophone, voice, bass guitar, or band instruments. i might take a track in the future, but i'm on a horseshit computer and can't listen to the files on them, i'll have to wait till i get back to my machine.

[zircon]

I think one of the reasons that the project shouldn't be an OCR project exclusively is because the tracks are ALREADY immaculately arranged as songs. If someone just did a rearrangement with live instruments with some minor additions that would be fine. You don't need to get all interpretive with these seeing as how you'll have a hard enough time just not leaving out important parts in the first place.

Yeah, you can have your own interpretation, but we're not looking for "songs inspired by contra 4". We're looking for badass covers. In my track I took some liberties, not until after I covered all the bases first. Even then, I didn't feel the need to expound very far on that.

OCR projects don't have to adhere to the primary OCR guidelines and standards, though. That is up to the project leader. The majority of projects have a solid number of tracks that would not actually make it to the site, were they submitted. If you're just talking covers with solos, that is acceptable... besides, it's not like you can't have a pretty conservative arrangement while still meeting OCR standards - look at any of housethegrate or goat's stuff posted to the site, for example.

The only stipulation is that we (obviously) can't do a debut mix actually posted to the site, since those still have to meet the standards. However, I would think at least ONE on this project would.

[bucky o'hare]

The most important thing for me is that the music we create gets as much exposure as possible. When the time comes I'll chose where to have the main release.
archive.org

:p

[Ramaniscence]

Contra 4 is a horrible game with horrible music and virt is a horrible composer and you are a horrible person who does not deserve any money or happiness in life.

Good luck.

I'm pretty much gonna have to go with DarkeSword on this one, but as least SnappleMan gets an A++ in Pole Jockin' 101.




Also: With all this talk about "all inclusive", I find it kind of humorous that most people could give a FUCK about the only TRUELY "all inclusive" sites as far as coverage of the community. (VGFrequency & ThaSauce (http://www.thasauce.net/))

[SnappleMan]

Rama, I was gonna hit you up for coverage on this as soon as I got some legitimate work done on it. Hold your panties! I don't want to go parading this yet because until we get some progress, it's nothing.

[Ramaniscence]

You can come up with every excuse you want, but your name is already of the Christmas card list. Sorry bub.

[RyuDeathstrike]

Ok... Here's the thing.
I have no experience in remixing music, but I have over 7 years experience of Percussion. I have no music recording equipment/programs except for a couple Keyboards, A Low quality Mic, and the app: Audacity. I could buy a program if I was told where to find it(possibly FL), and I would also be looking for a Rock sort've midis or sounds. I can get access to a Drum Set and some Guitars but I only know how to play the Drums.

I would very much like to participate in the project... perferably with the song "Tunnel Boss" since it is small, still available, fairly simple to find out the notes/chords and that I can bassically hear the Live Drums in my head while I listen. I can feel the guitars strumming but I'd either need to make the guitars on a program or by finding some to play it live.

Now. If you think that I probably won't be able to complete the song in time for your scheduled release, or that I might not be capable of completing the song at all, then go ahead and tell me. I am trying to get into the remixing scene so that I can get experience enough to properly Remix some of my personal favorites vgm and other songs for other projects and such.

Thanks for any input.

[Fishy]

I am trying to get into the remixing scene so that I can get experience enough to properly Remix some of my personal favorites vgm and other songs for other projects and such.

I'm gonna second guess snapple by saying this is not the project for "getting into the scene". This is a no nonsense make a remix in 3 days or be slain type project by the sounds of it. You've come to the right place, just not the right project.

[Tensei]

Lots of words

To you, and actually any other people participating, I'll say I'll be more than happy to lay down guitars and other collabish stuff. My demo for Harbor got rejected for being too liberal (THOUGH AWESOME!) so my arrangement style is a bit too out there for this project, but I'm still up for collabs. I'm pretty good at guitar (decent recording setup as well), and have some serious sequencing chops when it comes to drums and synth solos ;)

So anyone who needs me, PM me.

[RyuDeathstrike]

I'm gonna second guess snapple by saying this is not the project for "getting into the scene". This is a no nonsense make a remix in 3 days or be slain type project by the sounds of it. You've come to the right place, just not the right project.
Lol. Thx for the input. I kinda figured as much...
hmm...I still might give it a try though... I'm gonna look around and see if I can find a good recording studio for the live drums(I much perfer live than synth). If I can't come up with anything, I'll probably just drop out.
Also... a good newb-program for remixing would be?(FL, other?)
Sorry that I'm so stuborn...:tomatoface:

To you, and actually any other people participating, I'll say I'll be more than happy to lay down guitars and other collabish stuff. My demo for Harbor got rejected for being too liberal (THOUGH AWESOME!) so my arrangement style is a bit too out there for this project, but I'm still up for collabs. I'm pretty good at guitar (decent recording setup as well), and have some serious sequencing chops when it comes to drums and synth solos ;)

So anyone who needs me, PM me.

For Free? cuz I'm just a poor little college student.

[Tensei]

For Free? cuz I'm just a poor little college student.


If I was able to make money with my musical skills, I sure as hell wouldn't be whoring myself out on here :P. Yes, I collaborate for free, so if you think you can come up with a good arrangement I'd be happy to do the lion's share of the production, recording and the sequencing.

[Liontamer]

Really glad to see Dan & Chris's "Let's Attack Aggressively" from the recent DoD on this project. Hopefully no one falters on this, because I'd love to see it get finished. "Let's Attack Aggressively" is practically a built-in album title.

Given a certain quality level, there's no reason I can think of that any arrangement project wouldn't be approved here. When "Dirge for the Follin" eventually wraps up, that's an example of a broader community project hosted here, involving DoD and Remix.Kwed.Org regulars as well as some OC ReMix people.

As for this project being hosted on OCR, it's too early to suggest anything like that, and that's ultimately up to Andy as the director. I'd think Jake would eventually host it at something like contra4.vgmix.com, to help pimp his work on the soundtrack. That would be the best idea to me, since it's Jake's baby here. Jake could talk about his thoughts on the creation of the soundtrack, then possibly do something like comments on the strengths of each arrangement. I know Jake thought it would be cool to get a professional release of the soundtrack; once more songs get done, why not angle for something involving the arrangements here? That might get Konami to consider something if they didn't have to do too much legwork.

All that said, any of the more interpretive arrangements within the format here, I'd definitely love to see submitted to OCR. I'm actually a big fan of when really recent games get good coverage; I actually love hearing artists take a new idea and quickly putting a spin on it that's just as good as the new soundtrack, so having games like Twilight Princess and Metroid Prime 3 represented here already has been great. Hopefully we'll see Contra 4 added to that list this year. Still waiting for a Shantae mix though...

[norg]

Still waiting for a Shantae mix though...
the only shantae mix that i'm aware of is one that Tackle did for DoD some time ago.

http://dod.vgmix.com/past/janfeb06/02%20-%20Tackle%20-%20Shantae%20-%20Shantae%27s%20Shagtastic%20Showdown.mp3

other than that, i agree; it's a great soundtrack deserving of a project. eventually. (:

[Ramaniscence]

the only shantae mix that i'm aware of is one that Tackle did for DoD some time ago.

http://dod.vgmix.com/past/janfeb06/02%20-%20Tackle%20-%20Shantae%20-%20Shantae%27s%20Shagtastic%20Showdown.mp3

other than that, i agree; it's a great soundtrack deserving of a project. eventually. (:

Ailsean has one too. (http://www.ailsean.net/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=26)

[Liontamer]

Oh yeah, don't get me wrong, I know about those. I'm just saying, when are WE gonna get some to post!

[norg]

Oh yeah, don't get me wrong, I know about those. I'm just saying, when are WE gonna get some to post!
hmm. i might have to add that to my upcoming list.

[SnappleMan]

So far we got 2 songs done. 2 more songs at 50% completion, and I got many demos coming in. The final project lineup will be set by Saturday, January 27th.

That's the latest I'll accept any demos.

[Shonen Samurai]

Oh god I am so excited for this :(

[anosou]

So far we got 2 songs done. 2 more songs at 50% completion, and I got many demos coming in. The final project lineup will be set by Saturday, January 27th.

That's the latest I'll accept any demos.

I'll have something done by then. Do you accept any kind of electronic music or is guitar and real drums a must? :/
Though I WILL eventually have sixto rocking out but it's not all progressive metal stuff.
anyway, soon. soon.

[SnappleMan]

I'll have something done by then. Do you accept any kind of electronic music or is guitar and real drums a must? :/
Though I WILL eventually have sixto rocking out but it's not all progressive metal stuff.
anyway, soon. soon.

Anything and everything goes. Just be sure you pay attention to the guidelines I posted.

[RyuDeathstrike]

Go figure... I am unable to aquire the equipment needed to make a song(only a drum kit). I am sorry if I dissapointed anyone... I might make this song one day, but it won't be anytime soon.

Sorry T-san. maybe in the future!

[SwordBreaker]

Just pimped this project in the making along with Radical Dreamers and the relaunch of vgmix in a recent podcast I did with my fellow staff members on our game site.

http://www.projectcoe.com

:)

[SnappleMan]

Bwahahaha! I got many demos coming in. This is great so far. Update coming soon with final lineup and all that jazz.

[SnappleMan]

Updated. Read first post.

[Dhsu]

Haha, this is pretty much a 100% Shizzie project.

Rock on.

[SnappleMan]

Not really. Just Danimal Cannon and Kidd Cabbage. Norg and CPacaud are from the VGMix side of things, Sixto is from OCR, and I'm from all over the place!

[Ryan8bit]

And those guys are more metroid metal than shizz... whooooooaaaaa.

I guess I'm too late to get in on this, but that lineup looks damn sexy.

[SwordBreaker]

Nice line-up there. Lots of Shizz and VGMix love. Only one who's OCR dominant is Sixto, which I'm happy for. Can't wait for the arrangements to the Waterfall and Harbor tracks 'cause those two are my favorites so far. I wonder what's so secret about who's remixing Harbor, though?

Glad you were able to bring virt in for the credits.

Good luck, everyone. :)

[SnappleMan]

Alright, time to bump this up again. Bit of an update, work is coming along smoothly.

[SwordBreaker]

I'm a bit sad that Sixto is no longer in the line-up. Huge fan of his work. On the other hand, the line-up is still quite incredible. Another Snapple/norg combo for Waterfall...I'm excited!

Hopefully Neo City gets filled up as soon as possible. You should contact Ryan8bit since he seemed interested in joining up.

So Snapple...can we get some sort of teaser clip/preview/WIP version of a track or two? Something from Jungle, Waterfall, or Ocean would totally do it for me!

[SnappleMan]

No demos or WIPs, at least for now.

[Dunther]

I think I love you Snappleman :P
If this project will be cool as it can be...well...it'll be really cool XD

I'm playing Contra 4 in this period anyway...

[HoboKa]

Hey uh Snappleman, I know I'm not the best remixer out there, but if you guys need a hand, I can try and help out ><.

[SnappleMan]

Nah, I've already got other plans for that song. Thanks though.

[HoboKa]

Nah, I've already got other plans for that song. Thanks though.

alright 10 char

[GasparXR]

Quite a few remix projects coming out... Do I smell a Sonic 1 Genesis/GameGear remix project?!?!

And this project sounds uber so far. Great job guys!

[CPacaud]

Mine's pretty much finished. Letting it sit a little bit, then I'll see if there's anything to tweak.

\m/

[SnappleMan]

<3<3<3<3<3<3

[CPacaud]

So Wassup?

[SnappleMan]

Bump For Update

[Therapsid]

When the release? Vaguely... :<

[SnappleMan]

Who knows.

[Mithius]

Hi,Is this still going, what tracks have not been covered. Does anyone have Mp3s or midi or any info of the tracks that have still to be done. I have not played the game though in Retro Gamer they say Contra 4 does great justice to the Contra universe, going back to it's roots. My friend downloaded a trailer sometime ago and I heard some very short music clips it sounded great. Man, it sure did sound very difficult if one was to transcribe them. I hope they are not insanity in difficult. If it is a crazy solo or melody to transcribe maybe I am not at that level. Though I would like to give it a shot, at least once be able to do something like this,if it is still going on and if I can live up to it that is. If anyone can point me in the direction much appreciate

I could of summed all this up by saying, Can I try to join this project, if it is still going and what needs to be done.

[SnappleMan]

Hi,Is this still going, what tracks have not been covered. Does anyone have Mp3s or midi or any info of the tracks that have still to be done. I have not played the game though in Retro Gamer they say Contra 4 does great justice to the Contra universe, going back to it's roots. My friend downloaded a trailer sometime ago and I heard some very short music clips it sounded great. Man, it sure did sound very difficult if one was to transcribe them. I hope they are not insanity in difficult. If it is a crazy solo or melody to transcribe maybe I am not at that level. Though I would like to give it a shot, at least once be able to do something like this,if it is still going on and if I can live up to it that is. If anyone can point me in the direction much appreciate

I could of summed all this up by saying, Can I try to join this project, if it is still going and what needs to be done.

Or you can try reading the update :)

[Mithius]

Hi,Snappleman, though I am reading it as some songs have not been done, I interpreting this as some are still open. Maybe you mean mastered or finshing touches,though they are already done. Either way I h-ear forward to what treasures await.